Powerball jackpot winner describes his 'pure joy'

March 26, 2013|Reuters

By Dave Warner

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., March 26 (Reuters) - An immigrant whodescribed years of working more than 15-hour days running asmall New Jersey shop, introduced himself to the public onTuesday after winning the $338 million Powerball jackpot, sayingwith a broad smile, "My life has changed."

Pedro Quezada, 44, married with five children, was the solewinner of the jackpot drawn on Saturday.

Quezada, who came to the United States from the DominicanRepublic when he was 19, spoke before a throng of reporters,photographers and television crews at the New Jersey Lotteryheadquarters about the years he spent operating a bodega inPassaic, New Jersey.

"Imagine having to wake up every morning at 5 a.m. and closemy store at 11 p.m.," the Spanish-speaking Quezada said througha translator.

He was reserved when asked about his future, but said he waslooking forward to buying a new car. Asked what he was drivingnow, he replied with a smile: "My feet."

"All I can say is that I feel very happy, and God hasblessed us with this prize," he said.

The sum is the fourth largest jackpot in the history ofPowerball, which is played in 42 U.S. states and the District ofColumbia.

"I felt pure joy, just happiness," Quezada said.

If he takes the winnings in a lump sum, he will receive $221million.

"I don't know exactly how, but I will help the community,"he said.

Wearing an open-necked plaid shirt and a yellow windbreaker,Quezada was joined at the news conference by his wife and otherfamily members.

He said he has had trouble sleeping since learning he wonthe jackpot. "I couldn't close my eyes," he said.

Quezada said he saw a commotion outside the Eagle Liquorstore in Passaic where he had purchased his ticket, while he waswalking to work on Monday morning.

"I figured maybe the winning ticket was sold from thisstore," he said.

He said he handed his lottery ticket to the Eagle Liquorclerk, who checked his numbers and told him: "Congratulations."